Microsoft rolls out update to remove 'Get Windows 10' app
Almost two months after officially ending its "Get Windows 10" campaign, Microsoft is enabling removal of the associated app possible via an update.
A couple of readers pointed me to Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article 3184143, which is an update that removes the "Get Windows 10" app "and other software related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer." This update is available as of today, September 20, via Windows Update.
Microsoft announced the end of that free upgrade offer as of July 29, 2016. But the company has not completely halted the ability for Windows 7 and 8.1 users with working product keys to update to Windows 10 for free by using those keys.
Thurrott.com's Paul Thurrott tweeted recently that he was still able to use an existing key to get Windows 10 for free, and he just verified again today, that it's still possible as of September 20.
I haven't seen Windows 7/8.1 users complaining about seeing the "Get Windows 10" prompt or app since Microsoft ceased the free-update offer. Microsoft officials said earlier this year that it might take some time for the prompt to stop appearing, but anecdotally, it seems like it did stop nagging users to upgrade right around July 29.
Microsoft officials initially didn't say that it might take some time for the free update to be available to those with Genuine Windows 7 and 8.1 product keys. But after it came to light that the free update was still available, though not advertised as available, it seemed there might be some sort of grace period during which Microsoft quietly would allow users to upgrade for free to Windows 10. .
I asked again today when Microsoft anticipates Windows 10 no longer being available for free to existing Windows 7 and 8.1 users. No word back so far.
Update: Here's the response from a Microsoft spokesperson regarding the new app-removal update (and the non-response regarding the end of availability of the free upgrade):
"The Get Windows 10 (GWX) application was designed to make the Windows 10 upgrade process easy for existing Windows 7 and 8.1 customers for the one year free upgrade offer which ended July 29th. Beginning on September 20th, the Get Windows 10 app and all other updates related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer will be removed from Windows 7 and 8.1 customer's devices.
"Beyond the statement above, the company has nothing more to share."